What We Do For You

In addition to the funding sources listed, schools receive generous donations
of funds, equipment, materials, expertise and labor from their local communities.
Community involvement leads to strong local ownership which is key to
developing a sustainable project. Most types of local assistance, including
time and expertise, can be used as a match to obtain grants. See Assistance
page for more ideas.

If you know of other reliable funding sources and would like them listed
here, please email us the name,
phone number and web site of the funding source.

Albert Schweitzer Environmental
Youth Award: presented annually to individuals or groups of
students between the ages of 12 and 18, who have worked in the community
to effect positive environmental change. Phone (203) 697-2741, e-mail asih1@aol.com, or write to:
Albert Schweitzer Institute for the Humanities, P. O. Box 550, Wallingford,
CT 06492-0550.

Captain Planet Foundation. The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to fund and support hands-on, environmental projects for children and youths. Our objective is to encourage innovative programs that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Through environmental education, we believe that children can achieve a better understanding and appreciation for the world in which they live.

National Gardening Association.
Each year the National Gardening Association awards 300 Youth Garden Grants
that include an assortment of quality tools, seeds, garden products and
more.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Most state offices have a Partners
program and while each office has slightly different priorities, many
can assist schools with wetland, stream, riparian or grassland habitat
projects. Contact your local office. (Click here for a list of FWS offices by state)

Chesapeake Bay Trust.
Provides grants for school and community based education and restoration
projects to improve the Chesapeake Bay and its Watershed. Phone:
410-974-2941. Chesapeake Bay Trust Grants

Forest Conservancy District
Boards. County boards provide funds for school reforestation/tree
planting projects. Certain boards, such as Baltimore have very active
programs to assist schools.

Maryland Department of Natural
Resources. The Aquatic Resources Education Grant provides up
to $1,000/school or $4,000/school system for aquatic education including
wetland, stream or Chesapeake Bay habitat projects. Call 410-260-8716.
for a copy of the application.

Maryland State Department
of Education, School Facilities Branch. This branch strongly
encourages school systems to include environmental enhancement on school
grounds as part of major school renovations and new school construction
projects. Therefore, if major renovations or a new building is planned
for your school, work with the education specifications committee to incorporate
habitat features and other environmental enhancement on the architects
plan. Call MSDE for a copy of their new manual addressing this issue.
Phone: 410-767-0098 Maryland Department of the
Environment. Periodically, wetland mitigation funds are available
for wetland restoration/creation projects of 1 acre or more. Up to 100%
funding may be available. Contact George Beston at MDE for more information
410-758-5020.
Maryland Student Service Alliance. Funding may be available for habitat
projects that incorporate a service learning component. Contact the Maryland
State Coordinator at 410-767-0356 or your school system coordinator for
more information.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. This program has limited funds
for school wetland, riparian or grassland projects each year. For information
call 410-573-4584 or email Rich
Mason.

Natural Resource Conservation
Service. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). See National
Sources. The Maryland program is designed so that schools compete favorably
for these funds.

Pennsylvania

Natural Resource Conservation
Service. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). See National
Sources.Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection. The Envrionmental Education Grants
Program provides funds for curriculum development and enhancement. Phone:
717-772-1828.

Virginia

Environmental Finance Center.This
site has a list of local funding sources for stream corridor and watershed
restoration projects. http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/EFC/Info/vawq.html
Natural Resource Conservation Service. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
(WHIP). See National Sources.

Dominion Virginia Power
awards grants of up to $5,000 to schools; mini grants for up to $500 are
also available. Call their classroom hotline at 1-800-730-7217.